ATIV Tab 3 Also Announced By Samsung, Is Powered By Intel Atom

The uniquely impressive ATIV Q convertible ultrabook was not the only thing unveiled by Samsung earlier today. The Korean giant also announced the ATIV Tab 3 tablet, an impressive Windows powered slate.

The ATIV Tab 3 is a 10.1-inch tablet that runs Windows 8 on an Intel Atom CPU.

The Atom processor is paired with 2GB of DDR3 RAM and the tablet is very thin and light at a mere 8.22 mm (or 0.32 inches). The 10.1-inch screen offers a display resolution of 1366 by 768 pixels.

Samsung has also bundled the S Pen in the package, which will help users take notes and write on the screen. Obviously, the ATIV Tab 3 is not actually made (in other words custom designed) for handwriting like the company’s Galaxy Note line, but this is a helpful addition nonetheless.

Besides, it’s the thought that counts — Samsung has installed dedicated software to improve the conversion of handwriting to text, along with features like Easy Clipping and Air View.

The new device runs Windows 8 and will retail for $699 starting in August. The full package will include a keyboard cover, making this device a serious contender.

One thing of particular note is the confirmation that many hardware vendors have started using the full version of Windows 8 on Intel Atom processors. It remains to be seen how the upcoming Windows RT 8.1 improves the situation.

But it is good seeing some engaging new Windows 8 hardware being announced by companies, and the ATIV Tab 3 looks, on first impression, one of the more amazing slates powered by Microsoft’s new operating system.